Litho printing using Metallic PMS inks
+ Wide range of colours and finishes
+ Produces a fantastic metallic especially on coated materials
+ Able to print fine detail and tints
– A PMS colour requires additional plates, the ink and also a washup
– This “static” cost is divisible over the printed quantity which if just a low number can increase the unit cost significantly
– Not as reflective metallic finish as using actual foil
Note – Metallic PMS colours are approx 80% opaque delivering good results on coloured stock
Traditional Foil Blocking
+ Wide range of colours and finishes
+ Produces a fantastic metallic on all materials
+ 100% opaque
+ The process creates a slight depression in the material which adds to the effect
– This process can be costly. The die cost is determined by its size and complexity and the process of foil blocking is expensive
– This “static” cost is divisible over the printed quantity which if just a low number can increase the unit cost significantly
– Only possible to foil solids not tints
– Not always possible for the die to hold fine detail
Note – Whilst much of the set up cost for foil blocking is the cost of the die this can be used again in the future
Digitally Printed Metallic
+ The Xerox Iridesse Press can print full colour plus both Gold and Silver in a single pass
+ Very economical compared to Litho Metallic PMS on shorter run lengths
+ Produces a fantastic metallic especially on coated materials
+ Able to print fine detail and tints
– Sheet size limited to 330 x 1200mm (still very impressive for digital)
– Not as reflective metallic finish as using actual foil
Note – Possible to underlay CMYK with a percentage of Metallic to create a range of Metallic Shades
Digital Foiling
+ Minimal make ready costs
+ Produces a fantastic metallic on all materials
+ Can hold finer detail than traditional foil blocking (down to 9pt type)
+ Generally applied on top of a lamination however dependant on artwork possible to digitally foil directly onto material (beneficial if an uncoated finish is required)
– Not as many colour options as traditional foiling
– The process doesn’t leave an indentation on the material (in some cases a good thing)